Our History

Proudly celebrating more than six decades of delivering fleet management excellence.

Our long-standing roots in the industry support our continued growth and drive our passion for innovation and focus on superior customer service.

1924

Holman Automotive, the parent company of ARI, had its beginnings in Merchantville, New Jersey when Steward C. Holman signed a dealership contract with the Ford Motor Company.

1948

Fast-forward to 1948, when Ford Motor Company asked Rice & Holman Ford to organize a new division for the purpose of renting and leasing passenger cars and trucks. This company was called ARI.

1960's

By the late 60s, the industry moved toward computer automation, and ARI introduced computerized operations.

1980's

In the 80s, the industry moved beyond simply leasing vehicles to offering fleet management services. During this time period, ARI established its maintenance management and licensing services. In 1989, the company implemented its award-winning, one-of-a-kind quality assurance program, Partners In Excellence® (PIE). Also with that decade came the acquisition of a Midwestern company that allowed ARI to design and build complex, upfit vehicles.

1990's

In the 90s, fleets began needing to do more with less, and ARI initiated its fleet administration program to support clients in need of a streamlined, simplified fleet solution. Expansion in the 90s came through ARI’s migration throughout North America. ARI partnered with the Zapata family to create ARIZA and ARI Fleet Services in Mexico, and made a strategic acquisition which led to the creation of ARI Financial Services, Inc. in Canada.

2000's

With the new century came new strategies for fleet managers. ARI supported its clients through strategic consulting services, the industry’s first “green” initiatives and enhanced fuel efficiency measures, and important compliance programs that helped clients successfully manage the increasingly complex landscape of rules, regulations and laws that govern fleets.

2010's

In 2011, ARI announced its acquisition of UK-based Fleet Support Group (FSG) headquartered in Chippenham, England, the starting block for ARI’s future global expansion. In 2013, ARI expanded operations to more than 15 European countries through the acquisition of two companies: Fleetlevel+ and HPI Fleet, which merged under the name ARI Fleet Germany. That same year, ARI was named to Fortune’s "100 Best Companies to Work For" list, and was named to the list again in 2014 and 2015. As the company moves forward, ARI continues to expand globally and strengthen its people, processes and technology to retain its leadership position.

Videos

Sharing more of our story with you so you can learn more about our people, processes and technology.

ARI Evolution

Learn how ARI has thrived throughout the decades and has grown to become the largest privately held fleet management company in the world.

Meet our People

Creating Raving Fans

At ARI, we believe every day is a chance to do more, to deliver the best and to exceed expectations. Every day is an opportunity to do something great. Learn why at ARI we don’t just want casual fans – we want raving fans.